Fayetteville (NC) Marks 150th Anniversary of the Sherman’s Occupation

Tray used by Sherman’s troops for target practice among the unique artifacts on display

January 2003

Fayetteville, NC - In March 1865 General William T. Sherman entered North Carolina and took a direct route to his first objective, the Fayetteville Arsenal. From March 11-14, 1865, Sherman and his troops occupied Fayetteville while planning the rest of the Carolinas Campaign . Upon leaving, Sherman destroyed the arsenal and other key structures around the city. From March 15-16, his forces encountered the first organized tactical resistance since entering the Carolinas, at the Battle of Averasboro. The action at Averasboro delayed the left wing of Sherman’s army, and gave the Confederates a chance during the Battle of Bentonville.

Spring events throughout Fayetteville and Cumberland County mark the 150th anniversary of these Civil War milestones. On March 3, the Fayetteville Area Transportation and Local History Museum opens the exhibit The Fall of Fayetteville – March 1865, which includes a silver tray that was removed from the Lilly home and used by the Union troops for target practice. This family heirloom is rarely displayed. Other items in the exhibit are line drawings of Fayetteville executed by war correspondents and quotes from both citizens and soldiers.

Other events:

February 27 /Red, White, Blue and Black: United States Colored Troops in North Carolina: Offered by the Museum of Cape Fear Historical Complex, this program covers the contributions of black soldiers from NC who served in the Union Army during the Civil War and who fought in NC. This free program beings at 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.ncdcr.gov/ncmcf or call 910-486-1330.

March 7/ Fayetteville Civil War Bus Tour:
This tour brings includes visits of sites from Fayetteville’s Civil War experience, including places not normally open to the public. Offered by the Fayetteville Area Transportation & Local History Museum, attendees will experience a fire cannon demonstration at the Cape Fear River. Pre-registration is required. For more information, call 910-433-4157.

March 10/ Monroe’s Crossroads 150th Anniversary Bus Tour:
Exactly 150 years after the first engagement between Confederate and Union Troops in Cumberland County, visitors can tour the battle site on Fort Bragg. Registration is required for the tour, which is offered by the Fayetteville Area Transportation and Local History Museum. For more information, Call 910-433-1457.

March 14/ 150th Anniversary Commemoration at Averasboro Battlefield:

Highlights of this free event include battlefield tours, speakers, book signings, music, and living history displays. The Battery D West Point Battery 5th US Artillery Regiment will be in attendance with horses and specialty equipment. The free event runs from 10 am – 4 pm. For more information, visit www.Averasboro.comor call 910-891-5019.

March 14/15 Sesquicentennial Living History Event:

During this free event, visitors will learn about the Union occupation of Fayetteville as interpreted by re-enactors with Co. H, 1th New York Veterans and Volunteers/Palmetto Sharpshooters re-enactment group and will include a children’s activity.Held from 10 am – 4 pm Saturday and 1 pm – 4 pm Sunday at Arsenal Park. For more information: For more information, visit www.ncdcr.gov/ncmcfor call 910-486-1330.

March 16/In the Path of Sherman’s March:Wade Sokolosky, author of “No Such Army Since the Days of Julius Caesar”: Sherman’s Carolina’s Campaign: from Fayetteville to Averasboro,” will commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Union Army’s march into Fayetteville and the destruction of the Fayetteville Arsenal. Mr. Sokolosky’s program is sponsored by the Museum of the Cape Fear and the North Carolina Civil War History Center. This free program begins at 7 pm at the Cape Fear Regional Theater. For more information, visit www.ncdcr.gov/ncmcf or call 910-486-1330.

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About Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau:

Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (FACVB) is a private, not-for-profit organization responsible for positioning Cumberland County as a destination for conventions, tournaments and individual travel. For additional information, visit www.VisitFayettevilleNC.comor call 1-800-255-8217.